Exterior hull patch

ABSTRACT

An exterior hull patch and method of use for covering and containing leaks due to hull damage to ships, vessels and barges that has a flexible material center surrounded by an inflatable border or perimeter. The patch is positioned over the damaged area and then drawn tightly against the hull of the vessel via cables that are routed to both sides of the vessel and under its hull and attached to the patch perimeter as well as to winches or similar devices onboard the ship. Once the patch is relatively snug against the hull, the inflatable boarder is inflated with compressed gas to increase the pressure against the hull and leak, thus sealing the leak. This prevents the vessel from sinking as well as prevents liquid cargo to be lost.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to the field of patching a damaged hull of afloating vessel, such as a tanker, barge, ship, boat or similar craft.More specifically to an improved flexible and inflatable patch system.

2. Related Art

There are several devices in existence for preventing a ship fromsinking or losing its liquid contents, such as oil, when there is a hullbreach. Hull breaches can occur from various occurrences, such ascollisions with other ships or objects or from explosions to name a few.One method of repairing and sealing a damaged hull vessel is to weldsteel plates over the damaged area. Although this is a secure fix, it isalso very time consuming, and requires skilled personnel, such aswelders, and may not be practical in all situations. Other devicesutilize magnetic plates to seal the hull and prevent sinkage or loss,but these tend to be bulky and complex to deploy. One strategy toprevent a ship from sinking is to close off various water tightbulkheads but this process can be overwhelmed if the hole in the hull isspread over several of these compartments

Still other methods contemplate a bandage or sling configuration topatch the breach. The current inventive material relates to this type ofdevice, but has managed to overcome several of the shortcomings andimpracticalities of these devices, such as storage and deploymentissues.

The instant invention is relatively lightweight, easily deployed andstored and can be utilized on a vessel that is underway with equipmentthat is common on most vessels.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The invention provides for, according to one general embodiment, avessel hull seal that comprises at least one triangular patch bodyconnected to an inflatable bladder that forms a border around theperimeter of the triangular patch with anchoring point at each apex ofthe triangular patch. Attached to these anchors are cables with two endseach; one end is attached to each of the anchoring points while a secondend is attached to a deck mounted cable tensioning means such as awinch. There is also a means for inflating the bladder pneumatically,such as an air canister or air compressor with a hose.

In another embodiment it has been contemplated that a vessel hull sealor exterior hull patch utilizes a patch body that could be a multitudeof various shapes, such are rectangular, triangular, circular,hexagonal, trapezoidal and the like with an inflatable doughnut ortoroid shaped bladder attached to and tangentially contacting theperimeter of the patch body with anchoring points along the perimeter ofthe patch body. The patch is attached to cables that are anchored on thedeck of the vessel to cable tensioners. The patch is inflated by a hoseattached to a pneumatic device such as an air canister or an aircompressor that is typically found aboard vessels.

In another embodiment, a method of containing a breached vessel hullcomprises affixing cables to each attachment point of an exterior hullpatch and affixing an inflation device to the exterior hull patch, suchas a pneumatic hose and then lowering the exterior hull patch over theside of a vessel in the vicinity of the breach. The patch will beorientated with a top and a bottom section; the bottom section would beclosest to the water. Once the patch is partially lowered a leader lineis affixed to the cable nearest to the water and then the leader lineand cable are maneuvered around the bow and under the hull of the vesseltowards the side of the vessel opposite of the breach. At that time theleader line and the cable are retrieved and all cables are secured to atensioning device, such as a winch or block and tackle and the patch isdrawn tight against the hull, once the cables and patch are sufficientlytensioned the exterior hull patch is inflated. The inflation of thepatch provides added and localized pressure to the hull's face, thussealing the leak.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description which when taken inconjunction with the drawings, illustrates by way of example theprinciples and structure of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Taking the following specifications in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings will cause the invention to be better understood regardingthese and other features and advantages. The specifications referencethe annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vessel with an exterior hull patch secured.

FIG. 1 a is a close up view of a vessel's pneumatic system.

FIG. 2 a is a frontal view of an exterior hull patch.

FIG. 2 b is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an exterior hullpatch along plane A-A in a deflated state.

FIG. 2 b′ is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an exterior hullpatch along plane A-A in an inflated state.

FIG. 2 c is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of anexterior hull patch along plane A-A in a deflated state.

FIG. 2 c′ is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of anexterior hull patch along plane A-A in an inflated state.

FIG. 2 d is a side view of an exterior hull patch positioned on the hullof a vessel.

FIG. 2 e is a side view of a exterior hull patch inflated and secured tothe hull of a vessel

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of anexterior hull patch.

FIG. 4 a is a side perspective view of an exterior hull patch duringdeployment.

FIG. 4 ba is a side perspective view of an exterior hull patch duringdeployment.

FIG. 4 c is a side perspective view of an exterior hull patch duringdeployment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While describing the invention and its embodiments, various terms willbe used for the sake of clarity. These terms are intended to not onlyinclude the recited embodiments, but also all equivalents that performsubstantially the same function, in substantially the same manner toachieve the same result.

Now referring to FIG. 1 which discloses a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, an exterior hull patch generally reference by thenumeral 100 for the use of correcting a breached hull of a vessel. Thepatch 100 can be made of a variety of materials that are suited forharsh marine environments and the like; it is also desirable that thematerial be flexible, supple and chemical or oil resistant. As shown, avessel or ship 102 has a rupture or hole in its hull or more succinctlya hull breach 200. This could be caused by numerous factors such ascollisions with another object or explosions or even stress failuresthat compromises the integrity of the ship's hull, potentially causingthe ship to sink or to lose its liquid cargo. The exterior hull patch100 is secured to the vessel's hull by a series of upper cables 101 anda lower cable 110 that are attached to winches or cable tensioning means111 on the deck of the vessel. In the current embodiment at least threecables 101,110 are utilized. Two of the cables 101 pass over one side ofthe vessel and are anchored to the patch 100 while the third cable 110passes over the opposite side of the vessel and under the hull of thevessel. The maneuvering of this cable can be accomplished in a varietyof methods and is contingent on the ships design. In one embodiment thelower cable can be attached to a leader line, which is a relativelylightweight and flexible rope or chord. The leader line is easier todirect and may be routed around the stern or bow of the vessel withstraight bows, while vessels with bulbous bows may require the use of apole or similar structure that allows the leader to be manipulated underand around the bow of the vessel. Another embodiment contemplatesutilizing a weighted object attached to the leader line that is thrownaround the bow of the vessel. While yet another embodiment contemplatesthe utilization of a small remote controlled submarine, such as a Ferretto guide the leader line under the hull of the vessel from one side ofthe vessel to the other, for example from port to starboard. Once theleader is on the opposite side of the vessel it can be secured by thecrewmembers. In one embodiment the leader line is further attached to aballoon that is inflated with lighter than air gas, so that the leaderfloats up the side of the vessel to be retrieved by crewmen. Referringto FIG. 2 a, a frontal view of the exterior hull patch 100 thatcomprises a central body 103 that is a supple cloth-like material whichis depicted as a triangle, attached to and surrounded by an inflatablebladder or member 106 that encompasses the outline of the central body103 terminating at attachment points or grommets 105 at each end forattachment to cables 10, 110. Also shown is an inflation point 102 whichis configured to accept standard pneumatic fittings to inflate themember 106 when the patch 100 is deployed from pneumatic lines 109.

In one embodiment it has been contemplated that the inflatable member106 further comprises a plurality of nested independent tubes orchambers similar to that of a bicycle's inner tube that are configuredto be independently deflated or inflated either with individualpneumatic lines 109 or by the use of one-way valves, so that if one ofthe tubes 106 is ruptured or leaks the integrity of the patch is notcompromised. The central body 103 has been contemplated to range in sizefrom having sides that are 25 ft to 45 ft in length, approximately, andis comprised of a flexible, chemical resistant, waterproof and oilresistant material such as vinyl, a rubberized cloth or Kevlar®. Inother embodiments it has been contemplated to utilize a series of layersor laminates for the central body 103 to take advantage to differentcharacteristic of various materials, such as a lightweight steel mesh orscreen, expanded metal, honeycomb structures, graphite fibers or thelike sandwiched between different pliable materials. The bladder 106 inthis embodiment is affixed to and borders the perimeter of the centralbody 103, so in the instant invention the bladder is shaped the same asthe body which is triangular. Although the patch has been depicted astriangular, it is further contemplated that alternative geometries maybe used; however the triangular shape seems to provide the simplest andmost efficient structure.

Referring to FIGS. 2 b, 2 b′,2 c and 2 c′, cross-sectional views, alongsection A-A of the inflatable member 106, illustrating variousembodiments wherein the member 106 further comprises a series ofindependent internal chambers or inner tubes 107 in variousconfigurations for added durability and redundancy. So, that if one ofthe tubes 107 ruptures the others will remain intact and maintain theproper sealing pressure against the undamaged hull of the ship 120.

Referring to FIG. 2 d, a side view of a exterior hull patch 100positioned on the hull of a vessel 120, wherein the cables 101 aresecured to each end of the patch 100 at the securing points 105 and areterminated on the vessel to winches, not shown in this view.

FIG. 2 e is analogous to FIG. 2 d wherein the cables 101 have beentensioned against the hull of the vessel over the damaged section 200and then the bladder 106 has been inflated to seal the damage 200.

FIG. 3, a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of anexterior hull patch, comprises of a triangular body 103 as well asanchoring points 105 with a circular or toroid shaped inflatable bladder112 that has exterior diameter that is tangential to each of the threesides of the patch 100 and a hollow central area.

FIGS. 4 a-4 c are side views of an embodiment of a exterior hull patch100 in its various stages of deployment demonstrating its method of usewhereby a deflated exterior hull patch is lowered over the side of thevessel where the damage has occurred. The crew lowers the exterior hullpatch 100 that is affixed to pneumatic lines 109 through a fitting onthe patch, not shown in these views, using cables affixed to theperimeter of the patch until it covers the point of damage or breach inthe hull, in a triangular embodiment there are two upper cables 101 andone lower cable 110. The two upper cables are affixed to winches 111 ormechanical block and tackles at the ends not affixed to the patch, whilethe lower cable is navigated around and under the bow or stern of theboat and then secured to a similar winch device on the opposite side ofthe boat to where the upper cables are secured.

The lower cable can be manipulated manually or assisted by the use of anassistant 121, which has been contemplated to be a rigid pole, aflexible leader line, or combination of both. The cables 101,110 arethen tensioned by the winches which in turn secure the patch 100 againstthe hull of the vessel 120 enveloping the damaged section 200. After thepatch is so secured the air lines 109 are attached to compressors 108 ofFIG. 1 a on the deck of the ship and fill the inflatable bladder 106with air to form a complete seal around the breached area 200.

The invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment.One skilled in the art will recognize that it would be possible toconstruct the elements of the present invention from a variety of meansand to modify the placement of the components in a variety of ways.While the embodiments of the invention have been described in detail andshown in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that variousfurther modifications are possible without departing from the scope ofthe invention as set forth in the following claims.

1. A breached hull patch comprising: at least one triangular patch body; an inflatable bladder attached to and forming a border around the perimeter of the triangular patch body; an anchoring point at each apex of the triangular patch body; a cable attached to each anchoring point at one end with a second end attached to a deck mounted cable tensioning means, and; a means for inflating the inflatable bladder.
 2. The breached hull patch of claim 1 wherein the triangular patch further comprises a chemical resistant flexible supple cloth-like material.
 3. The breached hull patch of claim 2 wherein the triangular patch further comprises a laminate of materials with varying tensile properties.
 4. The breached hull patch of claim 1 wherein the triangular patch further comprises a series of rigid lateral supports.
 5. The breached hull patch of claim 1 wherein the cable tensioning means is at least a deck mounted winch.
 6. The breached hull patch of claim 1 wherein the means for inflating the bladder is an air compressor.
 7. The breached hull patch of claim 1 wherein the inflatable bladder further comprises a series of inflatable independent internal chambers.
 8. A breached hull patch comprising: at least one patch body; an inflatable toroid shaped bladder attached to and tangentially contacting the perimeter of the patch body; anchoring points along the perimeter of the patch body; a cable attached to each anchoring point at one end with a second end attached to a deck mounted cable tensioning means, and; a means for inflating the inflatable bladder.
 9. The breached hull patch of claim 8 wherein the patch body and inflatable bladder further comprises a chemical resistant flexible supple cloth-like material.
 10. The breached hull patch of claim 8 wherein the patch body is triangular in shape.
 11. The breached hull patch of claim 8 wherein the patch body further comprises a series of rigid lateral supports.
 12. The breached hull patch of claim 8 wherein the cable tensioning means is at least a deck mounted winch.
 13. The breached hull patch of claim 8 wherein the means for inflating the bladder is an air compressor.
 14. The breached hull patch of claim 9 wherein the inflatable bladder further comprises a series of inflatable independent internal chambers.
 15. The breached hull patch of claim 9 wherein the toroid shaped bladder further comprises a plurality of cable anchoring points.
 16. A method for sealing a breached hull comprising: affixing cables to each attachment point of a exterior hull patch; affixing an inflation device to the exterior hull patch; lowering the exterior hull patch over the side of a vessel in the vicinity of the breach; affixing a leader line to the cable nearest to the water; maneuvering the leader line and cable under the hull of the vessel and to the side of the vessel opposite of the breach; retrieving the leader line and the cable; securing all cables to a cable tensioning device; tensioning all of the cables, and; inflating the exterior hull patch.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the method of maneuvering the leader line and cable under the hull of the vessel further comprises: attaching the leader line and cable to an inflatable balloon contained in a remote submarine device; lowering the submarine device into the water; maneuvering the submarine device under the hull of the vessel to the opposite side of the vessel; inflating the balloon with lighter than air gas; releasing the balloon, and; recovering the balloon.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the method of maneuvering the leader line and cable under the hull of the vessel further comprises: attaching the leader line to a pole and walking the line around the bow or stern off the vessel to the opposite side of the vessel.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the method of maneuvering the leader line and cable under the hull of the vessel further comprises: attaching the leader line to a weight, and; throwing the weight around the bow of the vessel. 